California's Milk Expiration
Date Law From the
CDFA
"All
milk containers offered for sale by a retail store must have a clearly
marked "sell by" date. This date is established by the milk processor and is
the date upon which, in order to ensure quality, the milk will be removed
from the shelf or dairy case. This date also lets the consumer know how long
the purchased milk stored in their refrigerator will be fresh. Milk
purchased is guaranteed to be fresh up to and including that date providing
the milk has been stored at the proper temperatures. Your milk will be
fresher for a longer period of time if you look for the most recently
packaged milk. Milk is a perishable product and when stored in cooler
temperatures, will remain fresher for a longer period of time. If you
suspect that your store does not keep its milk cold enough, ask the store
manager at what temperature its dairy case is maintained. Stores are
required to keep their dairy case 45° or lower."
How Long Is Milk Good After The Sell By Date According
to the Dairy Council of California - "The shelf life of milk is affected
by several factors including how it is handled before and after it is
purchased. When stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and not left out of the
refrigerator for extended time periods, milk should last approximately 5-7
days past the "sell by" date."
More Resources
Consumer reports - consumer guide to food product dating
